| Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. | Pleasing words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and affording health to the body. |
| A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends. | A perverse man sows strife, and a tale-bearer destroys close friendships. |
| He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. | It is better to be a patient man rather than a warrior, one who controls his temper rather than one who captures a city. |
| Children’s children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father. | Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their parents. |
| Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool, Much less lying lips to a prince. | Fine words are not becoming to a fool, and much less are false words to a noble. |
| He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends. | One who forgives a misdeed fosters friendship, but he who divulges it separates good friends. |
| A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. | A true friend is one at all times, and a brother is born to render help in time of need. |
| A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones. | A cheerful heart is excellent medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. |
| Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive. | Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; if he closes his lips, he is regarded as intelligent. |
| A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart. | A fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only delights in expressing his own opinions. |
| A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows. | The lips of a fool cause strife, and his mouth provokes a flogging. |
| The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body. | The whispers of a gossiper are tasty morsels that corrode one’s inner being. |
| The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. | The name of the Lord is a tower of strength; the upright man runs to it and finds refuge. |
| The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own esteem. | The wealth of a rich man is his stronghold; he regards it as a high wall that cannot be scaled. |
| Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility. | A man is haughty until disaster overtakes him, but humility comes before honors. |
| A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men. | A gift opens doors for the giver and wins him access to the powerful. |
| Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. | The tongue has the power over life and death; those who cherish it will enjoy its fruits. |
| He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the Lord. | One who finds a wife finds happiness and receives favor from the Lord. |
| A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. | Some friends can lead us to ruin, but a true friend is closer than a brother. |
| He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good. | Whoever gains wisdom loves his own soul; one who cherishes understanding will prosper. |
| Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the Lord. | A house and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is a gift from the Lord. |
| He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who is careless of his ways will die. | Whoever observes the commandments will live, but the one who scorns them will die. |
| There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand. | Many are the plans in a human mind, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will prevail. |
| What is desired in a man is kindness, And a poor man is better than a liar. | A man’s attraction is his kindness; it is far better to be poor than to be a liar. |
| It is honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel. | It is honorable to avoid strife, but every fool is quarrelsome. |
Related topics
Speaking
Death and life are...
Wisdom
For the LORD gives...
Friendship
A friend loves at...
Family
And these words which...
Money
Let your conduct be...
Health
So you shall serve...